I JUST KEPT FAILING…
A few months ago the radiator tab (a piece of aluminum that holds the radiator onto the car to keep it from blowing off into the car behind me) broke on my beloved 32 Deuce Coupe that’s in the photo.
I can weld pretty well, but have never welded aluminum. It’s a completely different process with different tools and gases to make it all work.
Day after day I practiced before taking a 5000 degree torch to my car… and every day I failed.
I watched HOURS of YouTube Videos. Nada. No dice. Fail. Fail. Fail. Fail.
Then I called Russ, a old hot rodder from my Michigan days who’s since moved to Florida.
“Russ”, I said, “For the life of me I can’t get this to work. I’ve tried everything”.
“Where did you get your practice metal?”, he replied.
“Home Depot”, I said.
“That’s your problem”, he quickly bounced back.
A LOSING BATTLE
You see, what I didn’t realize was that the Depot aluminum was cheap. And cheap meant impurities. And no matter how skilled you are, you’ll NEVER be able to weld two piece of crap metal together… it’s just not in the cards.
While I may have stumbled across this fact, realized it, and tried again with better quality. It may have taken me AGES of frustration and trial and error.
Russ knew what to ask in 60 seconds. Because he’s “been there, done that.”.
In today’s digital era, access to information is just a click away. From calculus to welding, much can be learned through Google and YouTube. However, the demand for teachers, coaches, and consultants remains strong. This illustrates their irreplaceable value—something algorithms can’t replicate.
The Human Element: Aggregation, Speed, and Convenience
Aggregation: The vast amount of information online can be overwhelming. Teachers, coaches, and consultants curate the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date resources, saving us from the paralysis of analysis involved in self-education.
Speed: Learning online can be time-consuming. Educators expedite this process with their expertise, guiding learners efficiently, and avoiding trial and error. This faster learning is essential in our fast-paced world.
Convenience: Personal educators offer tailored learning experiences that generic online content can’t match. They adapt in real-time to address specific challenges and learning styles, ensuring comprehensive understanding and practical application.
They ask what metal you’re using when you don’t even know to think about that yet…
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
Studies consistently show that human-guided learning leads to better outcomes. Personalized tutoring significantly outperforms self-study, and professionals with coaches report higher success, satisfaction, and career growth.
It’s why I have a coach.
It’s why I AM a coach.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
While free information is abundant, investing in teachers, coaches, and consultants is invaluable. The benefits of curated content, guided learning, and tailored instruction are unmatched. We hire these professionals not just for their knowledge, but for their guidance and connection. The journey to mastery involves transforming knowledge into wisdom, and for that, dedicated educators and mentors are, and may just always be, irreplaceable.
Always in your corner,
Rodric
